Local Sister Duo To Perform At Hank Williams Tribute

Sisters Brechyn Chace and Larissa Chace Smith, of Mercersburg, will be performing a set of songs by the late, great Hank Williams in Baltimore, Md., on February 28. Their set is part of an event entitled, "Honky Tonk Blues: A Tribute to Hank Williams," presented by Arty Hill & The Long Gone Daddys. It is being held by the Creative Alliance at The Patterson, 3134 Eastern Avenue, in Baltimore, Md., starting at 8:00 p.m.

Brechyn and Larissa grew up in Mercersburg in a musical family. Their grandfather, Ronald Chace, played trombone and sang with Les Brown's Big Band. Their maternal grandfather, Vincent Benjamin, was a drummer and performer in the Binghamton, N.Y., area. Both their parents have musical backgrounds as classical and jazz pianists. They have recorded in the jazz style with their father, Joel Chace, on numerous occasions.

From 2003-2007, the sisters lived in Austin, Texas, and were inspired by the musical traditions of the area, particularly classic and alternative country. They were often found two-stepping at The Broken Spoke, one of Texas' oldest dance halls, soaking in the vital dance traditions and sounds. They began writing and performing in the alternative country style in 2006, and recorded a demo of their songs in 2007.

Both have since relocated back to their hometown of Mercersburg, where their music continues to blossom in their new full-band project, The Hello Strangers. The band, often seen performing at venues such as Flannery's Tavern on the Square in Mercersburg and The Garryowen Irish Pub in Gettysburg, consists of several local musicians: Katie O'Neil on drums, Dave Holzwarth on bass, and Kevin Shannon on lead guitar. Shannon will join the sisters at the Hank Williams Tribute.

Other groups performing at the tribute include Lindy Loo, Glen Moomau, Rodney Henry, and Nick Beaudoing.